There have been incidents targeting females on the west, northwest sides since Dec. 4, 2011, police say

Receive the latest local updates in your inbox

Police are warning of a rash of strong-arm robberies targeting female victims since December in the West and Northwest.

A serial mugger is believed to be behind the crimes -- eight incidents total -- starting with a Dec. 4, 2011 robbery about 5:20 a.m. in the 3100 block of West Fullerton Avenue, according to a Thursday community alert from Grand Central Area detectives.

Mugs in the News

The latest robbery was Wednesday about 4 p.m. in the 1700 block of West Wabansia Avenue.

The attacker typically approaches females who are alone on the sidewalk during evenings and early mornings and robs them of their cell phones, money and purses, the alert said.

Police said the attacks have occurred at the following times and places:

3100 block of West Fullerton Avenue – Dec. 4, 2011, 5:20 a.m.

1800 block of North California Avenue – Dec. 17, 2011, 6 a.m.

1700 block of North Central Park Avenue – Dec. 21, 2011, 6:15 a.m.

1900 block of North Western Avenue – Dec. 22, 2011, 11 p.m.

2100 block of North California Avenue – Dec. 24, 2011, 7 a.m.

2000 block of North Kimball Avenue – Dec. 31, 2011, 11 p.m.

1500 block of North Hoyne Avenue – Jan. 3, 2012, 3 a.m.

1700 block of West Wabansia Avenue – Jan. 4, 2012, 4 p.m.

The attacker is described as a black man between the agest of 18 and 39. He stands betwen 5 feet, 8 inches and 6 feet, 6 inches tall and weighs between 150 and 180 pounds, the alert said.

He is described as wearing a gray or brown hooded sweatshirt or a puffy black coat, and was also described in two of the incidents as having dreadlocks, the alert said.

Anyone with information should call Grand Central detectives at 312-746-8362.